Facebook helps FBI take down $850m cyber-gang

12 December 2012 | 7412 views | 0

Facebook has helped the FBI bust an international cyber-gang believed to be behind an 11 million computer-strong botnet that has cost more than $850 million in losses.

The FBI says that 10 people from around the world have been arrested following an operation to track the cyber-crime rings linked to multiple variants of the Yahos malware, which is linked to more than 11 million compromised computer systems.

The malware has been connected to over $850 million in losses via the Butterfly Botnet, which steals computer users' credit card, bank account, and other personal identifiable information.

Facebook's security team became involved in the operation because Yahos targeted its users from 2010 to this October, says the FBI. The firm's security systems were able to detect affected accounts and provide tools to remove the threats, as well as help investigators identify the root cause and perpetrators.

Suspects from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, New Zealand, Peru, the UK and the US have been arrested and numerous search warrants and interviews have been executed.